In this section

Career Opportunities at the JCMH

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Assist in the implementation of the goals of the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health (JCMH), a commission created by the Supreme Court of Texas and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. The Commission works to strengthen criminal and civil courts in the administration of justice for Texans with mental health challenges or intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through judicial and attorney education, collaboration with mental health and IDD experts, and judicial leadership.

Performs highly complex legal work. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

  • Lead or assist with technical assistance projects to educate and support courts seeking to establish mental health courts, dockets, or judicial practices to improve the court and community response to individuals with mental illness or IDD. Technical assistance will be accomplished through regional conferences, web-based content and other judicial tools and resources, and connecting courts to mentor courts. Travel is required to regional, state, and national conferences and meetings to learn and share best practices.
  • Participate in strategic planning to improve outcomes for children and adults with mental health challenges or IDD as they intersect with the justice systems. Assist in planning and conducting JCMH meetings with agendas, reports, presentations, and budgets.
  • Assist in building relationships with stakeholders and represent the JCMH in its mission to institutionalize collaboration among executive, legislative, judicial, and tribal nation leaders.
  • Identify measurable project goals and objectives, including criteria for evaluating a project and its objectives, and demonstrate excellent project management skills related to timeliness, progress, accountability, and budgeting. Develop and follow communication and action plans for projects.
  • Author or contribute to written and other materials as required, such as reports, newsletters, articles, educational and reference resources, opinion and editorial pieces, speeches, judicial directives, policy and data analysis, and JCMH website content.
  • Support JCMH workgroups as assigned, which may include convening multi-disciplinary stakeholders, facilitating substantive planning sessions, creating project timetables, evaluating strategies and proposed solutions, and producing related reports.
  • Perform research on proposed legislation to assess the impact on Texas courts and draft policy memoranda or research reports, as appropriate. Support statewide efforts to implement recently enacted laws, as assigned.
  • Develop project schedules, work plans, resource requirements, and cost estimates.
  • Coordinate program activities with other state agencies, governmental jurisdictions, or private sector partners and contractors. Supervise the work of other staff and interns as assigned.
  • Performs related work as assigned.

GENERAL QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

  • At least three years’ experience as a licensed attorney and graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or other degree sufficient for admission to the State Bar of Texas. Member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
  • Candidate must possess excellent skills in writing, teaching, facilitation, and project management.
  • Experience with the Texas court system and knowledge of state laws regarding criminal justice, juvenile justice, and/or civil commitments are preferred. Travel required--no more than 30% but likely less.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings; state and federal laws, rules, and regulations; and agency administrative rules and regulations. Knowledge of mental health and IDD law and treatment.
  • Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis; in applying reasoning and logic; in identifying and solving complex problems; in prioritizing workloads; and in using judgment to identify courses of action.
  • Skill in understanding and processing information, in the use of office equipment, and expertise in Microsoft Office suite, Adobe Acrobat, and Outlook.
  • Skill and ability to initiate, manage, develop, oversee, and evaluate mission-oriented programs that are highly complex, with large budgets, long-range time frames, and a high level of systemic impact.
  • High emotional intelligence, communications skills, and ability to multitask in a busy office. Knowledge of factors which can impact well-being, and mental health. Ability to interact professionally with elected officials. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, determine priorities, and meet deadlines.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, OR LICENSURE

Must be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas with at least three years of Texas licensure.

TO APPLY: Send all required documents by email to JCMHApplications@txcourts.gov.

Required Documents include:

  • Cover Letter;
  • Completed State of Texas Application for Employment;
  • Resume; and
  • Writing Sample.

State of Texas Application Job #: 16856473

Salary Range: $92,600 - $156,612

Employer Name: SUPREME COURT OF TEXAS
Contact: Michael Garcia, Legal Assistant
Email: JCMHapplications@txcourts.gov

Military Crosswalk: Job Classification Series: Attorney

http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf

The Supreme Court of Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability.